Chickpeas are most often known to be the main ingredient for hummus. However, this recipe involves roasting canned chickpeas in maple syrup, bourbon smoked paprika and sea salt.
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Roasting Chickpeas
This roasted chickpea recipe is very simple to make! The chickpeas are seasoned with Bourbon Smoked Paprika that I found at the grocery store. Even better, this product was made right here in my home state of Kentucky. It’s made by a company called Bourbon Barrel Foods. The deep smoky flavor of the paprika paired with maple syrup make this healthy snack a real treat. It has the sweet and savory taste that I often crave, but much healthier than grabbing something convenient out of the pantry like a candy bar, or bag of chips.
The process of making roasted chickpeas is very simple. First, you rinse a can of chickpeas in cold water. Next, you preheat the oven and a line sheet pan with parchment paper. Then you mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and pour the coated chickpeas onto the prepared sheet pan. Bake for about an hour total and let cool completely before eating.
There are few techniques you can use to ensure your chickpeas turn out well:
- Drain the chickpeas on a paper towel to ensure they are dried before baking.
- Cook chickpeas in a single layer to ensure even baking.
- Half way through baking, stir the chickpeas.
- Lining the sheet pan with parchment paper prevents the chickpeas from sticking and makes clean up quick and easy.
- Store cooled chickpeas in an airtight container to keep for up to 5 days.
About Chickpeas: history, cultivation & health facts
So what is a chickpea? It’s a legume that is grown for it’s seeds. Harvesttotable.com describes the chickpea as “…a tender annual legume, a bushy plant that grows to about 18 inches tall and has pairs of dark green, compound leaflets that look like vetch.” The seeds are harvested from pods just like other legumes such as peas or beans.
You may also have heard of chickpeas called Garbanzo beans or Egyptian peas. It’s all the same. Just different names for the same food. Whatever you choose to call them, chickpeas can be purchased fresh, dried, frozen, or canned.
I looked into the health benefits and history of chickpeas. According to Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products, chickpeas may have been first domesticated in the Middle East. Chickpeas are now important crops grown in Mexico, some South American countries and the United States. Wild chickpea varieties are still bountiful in Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
According to Biena Snacks, “Chickpeas are a superfood with protein, fiber and nutrients such as calcium, iron and more.” Chickpeas seem to be a great dietary alternative for me while I’m focused on avoiding unhealthy snacks. Beyond snacks, I have even seen chickpeas used as a salad topping and of course the main ingredient for hummus.
A Versatile Legume
I really enjoyed eating this snack. My husband was caught digging into the bowl of roasted chickpeas I kept on the counter this week. I guess I’ll have to make a double batch this weekend. I am also going to play around with some different flavor combinations. Chickpeas seem so versatile and can be the perfect blank canvas for a snack recipe.
Now I need your ideas…
What flavor combinations should I try on the next batch of roasted chickpeas?
References:
- https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/Chickpea.html#Origin
- https://harvesttotable.com/how_to_grow_chickpeas_garbanzo/
- https://bienasnacks.com/blogs/biena-blog/chickpeas-information-faqs
Sweet & Smoky Roasted Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas 15 oz can
- 1/2 teaspoon bourbon smoked paprika or smoked paprika of your choice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rinse chickpeas in cold water and let dry on paper towel for about 10 minutes.
- Line a metal baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine chickpeas with remaining ingredients in a medium sized bowl and stir until chickpeas are coated well.
- Spread chickpeas in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Stir lightly or shake pan lightly to turn over chickpeas. Bake an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven and let cool completely before eating. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Draining the chickpeas on paper towel ensures they are dried before baking and won't be soggy.
- Cook chickpeas in a single layer to ensure even baking.
- Lining the sheet pan with parchment paper prevents the chickpeas from sticking and makes clean up quick and easy.
- Storing roasted chickpeas in an airtight container will keep for 3-5 days.
Dan "Jay" Reyes
This looks yummy. Thank you for sharing the recipe and your cooking talent 🙂
Champaine Abney
I’m not a big fan of chickpeas but I’m going to try this! They look so good!
Kimberlie
I’ve only had chickpeas once and am still undecided about how I feel about them. I love roasting vegetables and love the smoked paprika as seasoning, so it seems this might be a way I’d enjoy chickpeas more. I’m intrigued enough to want to try it.
Samantha
Oh my goodness. This sounds so delicious. I am always looking for new things to try and I love roasted things. They just taste better. I am definitely trying this recipe. These seem like they would make a really nice snack too.
brittany.fiero2
Yes, it’s a great, healthy snack. I love how versatile chickpeas are too.
Amy @ The Kent Krew
This looks so good! Chickpeas are growing on me, I might need to try this!
Mila
I’ve never thought of roasting chickpeas, what a wonderful idea. Also I love smoke paprika differently need to try this out. Thanks for sharing.
Dana
I … love … ROASTED CHICKPEAS! The trick is to try not to eat them all in one sitting.
brittany.fiero2
So true!!!
Jazz
That bourbon smoked paprika sounds amazing! And I feel like these chickpeas would be a great addition to a salad or wrap.
brittany.fiero2
Yum! That’s a great idea.
Aline
Love this recipe! Full of beautiful flavors! Thank you xx
brittany.fiero2
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading!
Lorena | www.lorenaylennox.com
I love chickpeas! I will definitely be giving this delicious recipe a try!
Alexandra
Love this recipe! I will have to give this one a try for sure 🙂
brittany.fiero2
Please do and let me know how you like it. Thanks for reading!
Meera
I love chickpeas and love every dish that has chickpeas in it.Gotta try this one.
Emily | The Multitasking Mom
I love roasted chickpeas!! I will definitely be trying this recipe out!!
Candice
Oh yum! I love chick peas! I’ll have to try this!!
Lilia
Love chickpeas and often make hummus and chickpea curry.
Will definitely be trying out this recipe.
brittany.fiero2
Chickpea curry sounds so good. I’ll need to make that one day soon.
Jennifer
I’m not usually a big fan of chickpeas, but this sounds really good!
cathy creech
Great recipe..I’ve never roasted chickpeas but I’m going to try it.
SHANIKA
I love Chickpea and this Sweet + Smokey version looks and sounds so delicious! Perfect as a snack or added to any dish.